Is this the new norm? [Qantaslink Cabin crew won't ask passengers not to recline during meal service]

[Quickstatus]

The tray table itself doesn’t move

It can jerk a bit during the recline

 

[Hvr]

It can jerk a bit during the recline

Are you describing the table or the pax?

 

[JohnK]

There’s also standard eco seats, no shell. They just have no recline function! (they come slightly ‘pre-reclined’, but not by much!)

Are you referring to SQ A350?

For June 2024 trip to Thailand I'm planning for us to go via SYD on SQ and use A380 or 777 and avoid the A350 ex-BNE.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Are you referring to SQ A350?

For June 2024 trip to Thailand I'm planning for us to go via SYD on SQ and use A380 or 777 and avoid the A350 ex-BNE.

No. The SQ seats have a recline function.

The ones used by low cost carrier do not recline at all, they are completely fixed. Although the seat back has a slight in-built recline to start with.

 

[JohnK]

No. The SQ seats have a recline function.

The ones used by low cost carrier do not recline at all, they are completely fixed. Although the seat back has a slight in-built recline to start with.

Need to keep that in mind. LCC could be the way going forward if slight precline and no recline for person in front.

I'm hoping this fad with A350 and preclined seats goes away quickly as its awful. I'm having nightmares just thinking about another SQ A350 flight.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Need to keep that in mind. LCC could be the way going forward if slight precline and no recline for person in front.

I'm hoping this fad with A350 and preclined seats goes away quickly as its awful. I'm having nightmares just thinking about another SQ A350 flight.

i don’t think it’s the a350, it would be the airline’s choice of manufacturer.

TBH i can’t see the pre-recline on pictures of SQ’s a350, looks identical to the a380?

 

[strance]

Last month I did a day trip to Brisbane from Melbourne in QF Business. Since I was up at 4am and had a long day, on the return flight, I slightly reclined (maybe one third of the way) my 1F seat. To my surprise I was jolted awake and asked by the FA to bring my seat up so 2F could eat their meal. I've done most of my 25+ years of flying in J, and while admittedly I don't usually recline much, this is the first I've ever seen this happening up front. In retrospect, I feel a bit petty because after the meal service I made sure to recline the full way.

 

[TiredOldFlyer]

Some have back problems and unless they recline it can cause agony.
After my common L4 L5 repair with more titanium that the rest of my body is worth
I have the need to recline - a little - on some occasions, but boy do I feel guilty and I restrict it to 1 click.

 

[JohnK]

i don’t think it’s the a350, it would be the airline’s choice of manufacturer.

TBH i can’t see the pre-recline on pictures of SQ’s a350, looks identical to the a380?

I have only seen this on SQ A350. It is very noticeable when seated as your body is leaning back at an angle.

Some have back problems and unless they recline it can cause agony.

I've had chronic back problems since my teens over 40 years ago. I cannot be laying down leaning back at angle. It does not feel natural. It feels very uncomfortable. In fact I only feel comfortable leaning forward not back.

 

[hanrahs]

Some have back problems and unless they recline it can cause agony.
After my common L4 L5 repair with more titanium that the rest of my body is worth
I have the need to recline - a little - on some occasions, but boy do I feel guilty and I restrict it to 1 click.

I have the opposite, if I recline I end up with back pain.

I also need to not slouch so sit quite upright, which sucks when anyone in front reclines as It often means I can no longer see the screen.

 

[jpp42]

Flew recently LAX-SYD on DL economy (which was doubly painful as had I been able to afford QF on this trip, I might have kept my WP), and the process of cabin crew encouraging or even enforcing this during mealtimes is something I did miss from QF(*). I am not the smallest guy around and need that extra space in front of my belly, so I politely the person in front if they could straighten up for the mealtime. They gave me a look like I just murdered their mother, but did comply, and I let them know as soon as I was finished eating. It's funny how perceptions of politeness around reclining seats varies so much.

(*) Delta's A350 is more spacious in economy than a QF 787, and overall I would rate them - if you are shopping on price primarily they seem to be competing well, and now have double services on some days (DL 41/43 southbound). Still would pick the A380 on Qantas if price was no object.

 

[Forg]

It's funny how perceptions of politeness around reclining seats varies so much.

Long-haul economy is a truly horrible experience, so you can understand people’s reactions … shorties & freaks who can sleep think reclining is great & everyone should recline, normal people who’re awake all flight & needing to read or watch the IFE think recline should be limited to single-digit degrees.

 

[Bjet]

After I read your/this post before I board the plane. I was suprised that Qantaslink (but operated by Alliance) flight attendant did ask pax not to recline during meal service.